American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
American Farmland Trust joined other organizations in expressing our outstanding priorities and concerns within the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 relative to the cap and trade section of the legislation —and calling for the final legislation to be crafted in a way that maximizes the participation of farmers and ranchers while minimizing the economic burden in the climate change equation. From an environmental perspective, maximizing agriculture’s role results in significant carbon benefits to the country and provides a vital component to addressing global warming. Read the letter sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
In a historic vote, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 on June 26th.
9 for '09
The new Administration has made it clear that energy and environmental policies are a leading priority—indeed “a defining test of our time.” and we're ready to provide substantial leadership on issues related to agriculture and the environment. Protecting farmland, promoting sound stewardship and ensuring viable farms and ranches are important objectives in any strategy to improve agriculture’s capacity to be part of the solution to the issues that challenge our nation. Read our 9 for '09 farm and food policy recommendations for the new Administration.
Final Farm Bill Passes
On June 19th, 2008, Congress enacted the complete Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.
Now we turn our attention to rulemaking and implementation. This process will outline how farm bill programs work on the ground, ultimately determining how successful they'll be.
A new direction for america
The progress and success of the 2008 Farm Bill can be measured in two ways:
- Additional funding, improved effectiveness and the creation of new programs to address important priorities; and,
- The unprecedented involvement and cooperation among previously disengaged stakeholder groups. The political landscape and the public debate have been changed forever.
While we may not have fully achieved all our goals, we will continue to build on our achievements in the next farm bill and through other legislation to create even more effective and lasting reforms.
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